Is Roasted Garlic Hummus Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Halal, we look for the 'red flags': alcohol, pork derivatives (like gelatin or lard), and non-Halal meat enzymes. Let's look at the specific ingredients in this Roasted Garlic Hummus.

The base of the product is COOKED CHICKPEAS and WATER. Chickpeas (garbanzos) are legumes and are naturally Halal. The fat source is SOYBEAN OIL and TAHINI (ground sesame). Both are plant-derived and permissible. The flavor profile comes from GARLIC, RED BELL PEPPER, and SPICES, all of which are vegetables and seasonings.

Crucially, we must look at the preservatives. The product uses POTASSIUM SORBATE to maintain freshness. Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative, not derived from animals, making it Halal. CITRIC ACID is used for acidity and is also plant-derived. Therefore, no flags were found in this ingredient profile.

Nutritional Value

While Halal certification focuses on permissibility, the nutritional profile is equally important for a healthy diet. Roasted Garlic Hummus is generally a nutrient-dense food. The primary ingredients, chickpeas and tahini, provide a good balance of plant-based protein and healthy unsaturated fats.

Because this version includes SOYBEAN OIL, the total fat content will be higher than a traditional homemade hummus that relies solely on the natural fats in tahini. However, these are mostly unsaturated fats. The carbohydrate content is moderate, derived mostly from the fiber-rich chickpeas, which helps with satiety. It fits well into a balanced diet as a source of fiber and protein, though portion control is recommended due to the calorie density of the oil and tahini.